CHP investigates case of invasive meningococcal infection
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (March 4) is investigating a case of invasive meningococcal infection, and reminds the public to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene at all times to minimise the risk of contracting this serious disease.
The case involves a 39-year-old male with good past health. He presented with a fever, headache, rash, vomiting and diarrhoea since March 1. He attended a private hospital the following day (March 2). He was subsequently transferred to the intensive care unit of Prince of Wales Hospital on the same day. He is currently in a critical condition. His cerebrospinal fluid specimen tested positive for Neisseria meningitidis upon laboratory testing. The clinical diagnosis was meningitis.
An initial investigation revealed that the patient had no travel history during the incubation period. His household contacts have remained asymptomatic so far. The CHP has prescribed preventive drugs to them. An investigation is ongoing. Initial findings suggest that this is a sporadic case with no epidemiological linkages to previously confirmed cases in Hong Kong.
Meningococcal infection is a statutory notifiable disease. The CHP has recorded three cases this year so far. A total of 11 cases were recorded last year.
Meningococcal infection is caused by a bacterium known as meningococcus. It is mainly transmitted by direct contact with respiratory secretions, including droplets from the nose and throat, of infected persons. Severe illness may result when the bacteria invade the bloodstream (meningococcaemia) or the membranes that envelop the brain and spinal cord (meningococcal meningitis). Meningococcaemia is characterised by a sudden onset of fever, an intense headache, purpura, shock and even death in severe cases. Meningococcal meningitis is characterised by high fever, severe headache, stiff neck followed by drowsiness, vomiting, fear of bright light, or rash; it can cause brain damage or even death.
To prevent meningococcal infection, members of the public are advised to take the following measures:
Wash hands with liquid soap and water properly, especially when they are soiled by respiratory secretions, e.g. after sneezing, and clean hands with alcohol-based handrub when they are not visibly soiled;
Cover the nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing, hold the saliva with a tissue, dispose of nasal and mouth discharge in a lidded rubbish bin, and wash hands immediately;
Avoid crowded places;
Avoid close contact with patients who have a fever or severe headache;
Consult doctors about meningococcal vaccination before travelling to high-risk areas; and
Seek medical advice if you become ill after returning from high-risk areas, and discuss your recent travel history with your doctor.
The public may visit the CHP'swebsitefor more information on meningococcal infection.
Source: AI-found images
Government welcomes latest support measures introduced by banking industry for individuals affected by Wang Fuk Court fire
The Government welcomes the banking industry's continued support for individuals affected by the Wang Fuk Court (WFC) fire based on the principles of empathy and flexibility.
Following the 11 emergency support measures launched after the fire last year, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and the Hong Kong Association of Banks (HKAB) today (March 4) announced three new measures to support the Government's long-term housing arrangements for affected owners of the WFC. The measures are: (1) extending the repayment grace period (including principal and interest) for existing mortgages, personal loans and credit card loans, etc to the end of November 2026; (2) flexibly adjusting the mortgage arrangements for the "Flat-for-Flat" or cash acquisition options, including substituting the original collateral with a newly purchased subsidised sale flat, with loan terms (including interest rate and remaining instalments) no less favourable than those of the existing arrangements, and extending the repayment grace period until the new flat is ready for intake, while adopting a flexible approach for a new mortgage; and (3) establishing a multi-party collaboration and communication platform to understand the specific needs of residents and provide appropriate assistance to each individual case, through the Long-term Housing Arrangements for WFC Engagement Team (Engagement Team) co-ordinated by the Housing Bureau.
To assist owners in understanding the details of the long-term housing arrangements, the Engagement Team, through referrals made under the "one social worker per household" service, has been directly contacting individual owners since March 2 to clearly explain the details of the title acquisitions by the Government and each housing option, and answer related questions. The Engagement Team will work with the communication platform set up by the HKMA, the HKAB and the banking industry to understand the specific circumstances of each owner, enabling banks to provide appropriate support based on individual cases. During these engagement sessions, the Engagement Team members will wear light blue vests and carry identification cards for easy recognition.
Source: AI-found images
